3 Shelomoh made himself the son-in-law of Egypt’s king Far-oh by taking Far-oh’s daughter as a wife and bringing her into the city of David (where she stayed until the completion of the construction of his palace and of Yahweh’s temple, and the wall around Yerushalem). 2 However, the people were sacrificing on various hills because at that time, a temple hadn’t yet been built for Yahweh. 3 Shelomoh demonstrated his love for Yahweh by obeying the instructions of his father David. However, he would offer sacrifices and burn incense on various hills.

4 One time, the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because it was the most popular high place. Shelomoh offered up a thousand burnt up sacrifices on that altar, 5 and that night in Gibeon, Yahweh appeared to Shelomoh in a dream and asked, “What would you like me to give you?”

6 Shelomoh replied, “You yourself showed incredible loyalty to your servant David, my father, because he walked in faithfulness and obedience in front of you, and did what he believed you wanted. And you’ve maintained this loyalty towards him and you allowed him to have a son sitting on his throne as I am today. 7 So now, Yahweh my God, you yourself have caused your servant to reign in place of my father David, but I’m still young—I don’t really know much about anything. 8 Yet your servant is among your chosen people—a numerous people who can’t be counted because there’s so many of us. 9 So please give your servant the ability to listen to your people and to judge them well—discerning between good and evil, because who’s able to judge your people—that’s a heavy task.”

10 Yahweh was very pleased that Shelomoh had requested that 11 and told him, “Because you requested that and didn’t request a long life or riches for yourself, or requested the lives of your enemies, but you requested discernment for yourself when listening and dispensing justice, 12 then I’ve done what you requested. Listen, I’ve given you a wise and discerning mind unlike anyone who’s lived before you or who will live in the future after you. 13 So I’ve also given you what you didn’t request: both riches and honour—there’ll be no other king like you for as long as you live, 14 and if you’ll obey my statutes and commands like your father David did, then I’ll also lengthen your life.”

15 Then Shelomoh woke up, and wow, it had been a dream, and he went into Yerushalem and stood in front of the sacred chest. Then he offered up burnt offerings and made peace offerings, and he held a feast for all his servants.